Minneapolis City Hall's post-election vibe shift
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Minneapolis City Council VP Aisha Chughtai and Mayor Jacob Frey hammered out a budget deal, despite their disagreements. Photo: Courtesy of Frey's office
The Minneapolis City Council kicks off a new term Monday with four new members — and the potential for a very different vibe.
Why it matters: Mayor Jacob Frey won reelection, and his left-wing critics lost a council seat, costing them the veto-proof majority they used for two years to seize the reins at City Hall: They rewrote budgets, took a stand on Gaza, and passed Uber/Lyft regulations.
- In the last two years, Frey vetoed more ordinances (12) than his previous six years in office combined.
- The council overrode that veto five times.
State of play: Frey's allies also didn't win a majority, setting the stage for either gridlock or a new era of compromise — and the December budget deal suggests Frey and the council are ready to bargain.
- Council members might have mustered a veto-proof majority one last time to force through their budget (as some members would've preferred).
- Instead, Council VP Aisha Chughtai — an outspoken Frey critic — and the mayor's staff ground out a deal that ultimately preserved some crucial priorities for both sides.
What they're saying: "In November's elections, Minneapolis voters were clear in their call for a collaborative approach from City Hall," Frey wrote in a letter memorializing the deal.
Friction points: December's budget negotiations also highlighted several areas of ongoing tension that are likely to carry over into the new term.
- The council has ramped up pressure on the police department over overtime-driven cost overruns.
- Frey vetoed a council proposal to provide portable bathrooms to large homeless encampments. Many council members are likely to continue pushing for a new approach to the issue.
What we're watching: Several council members have also promised to propose regulations on Waymo as the robotaxi company plans an expansion to Minnesota.
- And that's just in the near-term: A re-write of the city's zoning plan looms on the horizon — as does perhaps a proposal for a new Wolves and Lynx arena.
What's next: New council members Pearll Warren (Ward 5), Elizabeth Shaffer (Ward 7), Soren Stevenson (Ward 8) and Jamison Whiting (Ward 11) will be sworn in Monday morning.
- The new council will meet in the afternoon to elect officers and committee chairs.
- Ward 1's Elliott Payne looks like a strong bet to retain the council's presidency after securing the support of swing vote Jamal Osman, who is running for council VP.